Our agrarian landscape in Marin is changing, with some operations actually thriving. Most operators work their own land, and leases are usually between friends and family, rather than on a corporate model. Virtually all of our 
Miwoks, Spanish and Mexican settlers
The first stewards of the land were the Miwok, who "cultivated" wild plants through burning and harvesting. They cleared underbrush through ecologically wise management to enhance the grasslands for the large population of ungulates. Around 1820 the Spanish founded the missions and the first cattle ranches, recruiting the Miwok as vaqueros. In 1830 the Spanish began granting land to Mexican settlers, and more cattle began to graze alongside the native deer and elk on the lush grasslands of Marin. Then came the Gold Rush, and a change in our agriculture. Marin ranchers drove their cattle, which were used for hides and tallow, to the Sierra to feed hungry miners, thus depleting the cattle population. In the early 1860s a
Swiss, Irish, and Portuguese bring dairy
Then, from the east, came entrepreneurs who added crop farming and dairy to the new mix. In 1856 Joseph B. Sweetser and Frank DeLong planted 44,000 fruit trees and 8,000 grape vines in 
Irish, Portuguese, and Swiss immigrants found their way to Marin and began to develop the fledgling dairy business, milking small herds by hand, and traveling miles over bumpy roads to get their milk to the "stations," which turned the white gold into butter and cheese. The entrepreneurs were on a roll and realized that dairying was the future. By 1860 Marin was the largest dairy producer in
Trains, schooners, butter, and potatoes
More Irish began to arrive at this time and brought with them potato farming. In 1860 Marin was fourth in the state for spud production. As usual, innovation followed. 
Farming spreads around the county
The turn of the century brought the first agricultural support organizations. In 1920 the World War II, diminished cropping and development The war and a changing agricultural landscape put an end to most of the row crop farming in Marin. Some tree fruit and poultry remained in 
The Doughty dairy planted vines and began making wine. The Gale Ranch began to experiment with grass-fed cattle. Randy Lafranchi from Nicasio planted six acres of organic vegetables and strawberries.
Organic farming began to expand in West Marin, and in 1999 Marin Organic was formed by a dedicated group of local producers with assistance from Ellie Rilla from U.C. Cooperative Extension. In 2001 the Agricultural Commissioner's office, with Stacy Carlsen and Anita Sauber, became the first civic government accredited certifier of organic agriculture in the
Today and tomorrow
Today, farm diversification is well under way. Rancher Kevin Lunny has certified 1600 acres of his pasture and ranch organic, runs 150 organic and grass-fed cattle along with his conventional herd, has planted four acres of organic heirloom artichokes, and has taken over a sustainably managed aquaculture enterprise. Liz Griffin and Don Bagley are experimenting with grass-fed hogs, pastured organic eggs, and grass-fed beef. David Evans from historic H Ranch continues to bring grass-fed beef to the local community. More row crop operations are opening up, along with processed food enterprises. Producers are realizing that previous generations sometimes had to go outside the box to stay viable, and are following suit.
The next generation
Today we are entering another period of change. Smaller, high-value operations are springing up to service an increasingly hungry Bay Area populace. The larger, traditional family farms are beginning to diversify. Dairies and beef operations are certifying pastures as organic, perhaps readying for a complete herd transition and diversification. Talented and dedicated young farmers like Jolynn Mendoza, Julie Evans, and others are staying on the farm and prospering.
The experience and boldness of previous generations help us to envision the future. Those before us also faced challenges and obstacles, and their courage and inventiveness can help guide us into another phase of history in the legacy of
By 1950, dairy was still the predominant form of agriculture with 200 dairies in production. The creation of the Point Reyes National Seashore in the 1970s and market forces influenced the switch from dairy to beef cattle operations, as our agricultural diversity declined. By the 1950s, field and row crops disappeared entirely from the crop report. Dairy, beef, and sheep filled the landscape.
In 1971 Warren Weber began farming organically in Bolinas, and Star Route Farms became the first organically certified farm in
In 1994 Albert Straus pioneered organic dairying by converting his herd to become the first certified organic dairy west of the 
Unusually low prices for beef and milk at this time caused producers to look for ways to continue farming. Russell Sartori transformed his fourth-generation dairy into organic strawberries.